Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe: Cozy Morning Magic

My weekend mornings always feel magical with a warm cinnamon roll coffee cake wafting delicious aromas through the kitchen.

Sweet swirls of buttery pastry promise pure comfort and indulgence.

Soft crumbles melt across your plate like delicate clouds of happiness.

Layers of rich cinnamon dance between tender cake textures that whisper morning promises.

Memories of grandma’s baking rush back with each delectable bite.

Weekend brunches deserve something special that makes everyone smile and gather around.

Rush to the kitchen and create this delightful treat that connects generations through pure deliciousness.

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake That Feels Special

  • Quick Weekend Breakfast Hero: Whip up this cinnamon roll coffee cake in under an hour, perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want something special without complicated steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic bakery-style taste right from your home kitchen, making everyone from kids to grandparents excited about breakfast or brunch.
  • Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works beautifully as a breakfast treat, potluck contribution, or casual dessert that impresses without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Warm Layers in Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Butter: Sweetness and rich, tender texture for the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to the batter.
  • Milk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and binding.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Main structure of the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Provides lift and lightness.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter: Creates classic swirl with warm, sweet spice.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Heavy Cream, Vanilla, Corn Syrup: Creates smooth, glossy icing base.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, tangy smoothness to the icing.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken icing.

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy baking and cleanup.

Step 2: Create A Fluffy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

The texture should look soft and airy.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

Gently incorporate:
  • Sour cream
  • Milk

Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Introduce Binding Elements

Mix in:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Blend thoroughly to create a smooth liquid base.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Ensure no lumps remain.

Step 6: Merge Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir until completely integrated, maintaining a silky batter consistency.

Step 7: Craft Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In another bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Mix until well blended.

Step 8: Layer The Batter

Pour batter into prepared sheet pan.

Spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 9: Create Cinnamon Swirls

Drizzle filling across batter’s surface.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven.

Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 11: Prepare Luxurious Cream Cheese Icing

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla
  • Corn syrup

Bring to a boil, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 12: Enhance Icing

Remove from heat.

Stir in cream cheese until completely melted.

Step 13: Finalize Icing

Gradually mix in powdered sugar.

Adjust consistency as desired.

Step 14: Dress The Cake

Allow icing to cool slightly.

Pour generously over warm cake.

Step 15: Serve And Enjoy

Cut into beautiful squares.

Serve immediately and watch everyone smile.

Coffee Cake Swirling Ideas

  • Use a knife or toothpick to create beautiful, intricate marbled patterns when adding the cinnamon filling for a professional-looking cake.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep the cake tender and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
  • Ensure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent texture.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually and taste as you go to control sweetness and achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
  • Keep the coffee cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake That Keeps Well and Reheats Fast

  • Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to keep moisture sealed and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, ensuring the cake remains soft and delicious.
  • Freeze whole cake or individual slices in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Warm Sips For Coffee Cake

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this cinnamon roll coffee cake with a medium-roast Colombian coffee that has smooth caramel undertones, balancing the cake's sweet cinnamon flavors.
  • Select Complementary Beverage: Enjoy a creamy chai latte or spiced tea that echoes the warming cinnamon notes and provides a luxurious drinking experience.
  • Create Dessert Wine Match: Serve with a late-harvest Riesling or moscato, whose subtle sweetness and fruity profile will highlight the cake's rich, buttery texture.
  • Morning Breakfast Enhancement: Complement the cake with fresh berries or a light yogurt parfait to add a refreshing contrast to the indulgent dessert.

Coffee Cake Roll-Ins

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, replace eggs with flax eggs, and swap cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and utilize natural cinnamon for flavor without adding extra calories.
  • Almond Flour Version: Create a nutty, protein-rich cake by using almond flour as the primary flour, which adds a rich texture and provides a lower-carb alternative for those following ketogenic or paleo diets.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for the cinnamon roll coffee cake?

The key ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, sour cream, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cream cheese for creating a rich, moist cake with classic cinnamon roll flavors.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The recipe uses basic baking techniques like creaming butter and sugar, mixing wet and dry ingredients, and creating a simple swirl filling. Even novice bakers can successfully make this coffee cake.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and add the icing just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

  • How do I know when the coffee cake is fully baked?

Check the cake at 23 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The edges should be lightly golden and slightly pulled away from the pan sides.

Print
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Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Comforting aromas of cinnamon roll coffee cake swirl through kitchens, promising a sweet morning indulgence. Rich layers of buttery crumb and warm spices blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 15 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese

Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
  2. Create a smooth base by thoroughly creaming sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Incorporate sour cream into the butter mixture, then gently blend in milk to create a rich, creamy foundation.
  4. Enhance the batter’s flavor and texture by whisking in eggs and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  5. In a separate container, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
  7. Prepare the swirl filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create a fragrant, sweet layer.
  8. Transfer the batter to the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
  9. Artfully drizzle the cinnamon-sugar filling across the surface, using a knife to create elegant swirls throughout the cake.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and firm texture.
  11. While the cake cools, craft the creamy icing by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and corn syrup in a saucepan.
  12. Bring the icing mixture to a boil, cooking for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
  13. Remove from heat and blend in cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  14. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, adjusting the consistency to create a perfectly drizzleable icing.
  15. Allow the icing to cool briefly, then generously pour over the cooled cake, creating an irresistible finishing touch.
  16. Slice into square servings and enjoy the delightful combination of tender cake and sweet cinnamon swirls.

Notes

  • Check butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense coffee cake – mix just until ingredients combine.
  • Swirl filling gently to create beautiful marbled effect without completely blending into batter.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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